Following on from the Chancellor’s announcement on 15th March about the Government’s investment in Local Full Fibre Networks you will be aware of the launch of a national Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to the value of £67m. This has gone live today.

The primary objective of this scheme is to expand the full fibre, gigabit-capable network to small and medium-sized enterprises. SMEs in your area will be able to access a voucher worth £3,000 to upgrade their business broadband connection to fast and reliable gigabit speed. At the same time groups of residents will be able to apply for a voucher of £500 for each domestic connection – as long as there are business users in the scheme who are the main beneficiaries.

The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme is a significant opportunity to expand the full fibre network in your area and to stimulate commercial investment in your priority business zones.

The initiative is supplier-led in terms of generating investment and end-users in Local Full Fibre Networks but we would greatly value your input in identifying and reaching potential beneficiaries.

How can we work together?

There are full details about the scheme here, in our guidance notes and you can download the supplier’s scheme guide and a range of communications assets in the password-protected area of the website at https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/lbl/
(password: gigabit18).

In time we would like to share suitable case studies and best practice ideas with you – and, where possible, develop some success stories in local media.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are currently consulting on a review of how they deliver their services to communities. The consultation period ends on 14th May 2018. However, your representatives on the Community Planning Partnership Board would also like to hear your views so that they can feed them into the Board’s response to the consultation.

If possible, they would like to hear your views by 19th April. If you would like to comment but will be unable to get your comments to me before the 19th could you contact me to let me know please?

The online survey which should be used to send your comments straight to SFRS before 14th May can be found here. More information about the proposed changes can be found here.

If you would like the community reps to share your views with the Community Planning Partnership Board please email them before 19th April to Elaine.Millar@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

MINUTESMinutes of the monthly meeting held on Thursday 15th March 2018
Approved – Tom Howie, Seconded – A Pinkerton

MATTERS ARISING

POLICE REPORTSummary of crimes and offences for period 12th to 29th March 2018.

Station Road- vandalism – car scored using key or similar

Kirkland Road – S38 – 1 apprehended

Field near Main Street – theft of metal gate and troughs

Discussion of vehicle accident at corner near railway bridge and the reporting and recording of such incidents.
Query as to validity of new 30mph signs.
Concerns raised over inconsiderate parking and near miss incident near train station.
Car keying incidents reported.
Pavement parking discussed. ACTION – D Caulfield to contact Councillor Jenkins

CORRESPONDENCE

Notification of major planning application for proposed new garden centre at Magbiehill Park North of Cocklebie Farm. ACTION – E Lochhead to arrange public meeting and advertise date

From EAC – Notification from Dept of Culture, Media and Sport for Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme

From EAC – Celebrate Community Council promotion on Twitter during April

From EAC – Flyer for Open Day at Central Mosque, Kilmarnock on Sat 21st April from 12 noon to 5pm. Posted on DLCC website and social media

From EAC – Public notice – Warning of Sky bogus telephone call. Posted on DLCC website and social media

Closure of James Hamilton Academy. Used furniture available for community groups – Social media updated

From NAC – Closure of B777 Proposed works commencement date from 9th to 23rd April 2018 – ACTION E Lochhead to contact Marketing Officer, North Ayrshire Council

From EAC – Temporary closure of Western Road Recycling Centre, Kilmarnock. Posted on DLCC website and social media

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service consultation – review of delivery of services to communities.

Consultation period ends 14th May 2018. The online survey which should be used to send your comments straight to SFRS before 14th May can be found here.ACTION share on DLCC website and social media.

From EAC – Feedback on Vibrant Voices consultation

From EAC – Information about The Big Lunch from Eden Project Communities

Community Consultation: Alcohol in East Ayrshire. East Ayrshire Council is looking for the thoughts of residents on alcohol. The closing date for comments is 31st The survey can be found here. It can either be completed on behalf of the Community Council or individual Community Councillors or residents can complete it on their own behalf. ACTION post on DLCC website and social media

TREASURER’S REPORT

There will be a full report at the next meeting

Appreciation of the 6 new planters at railway station provided by GE Aviation, Prestwick was noted. These planters are required to be filled with free compost available from East Ayrshire Council. Planting protocol will be considered later.

Enquiries to be made regarding costs of filling summer hanging baskets.

Possibility of funding for additional baskets and brackets for Lugton to be investigated – application to be made online for 8 baskets.

PLANNINGNothing to report

ROADS / RAILA member of the public expressed concern over the erosion of the speed table on Kirkland Road.ACTION – J Taylor to write to East Ayrshire Council

FUNDRAISINGPossible opportunity to raise funds for Dunlop and Lugton Community Council in conjunction with Dunlop and District Community Company at Gala Day on Saturday 2nd June 2018

AOCB

A member of the public has contacted Brian Whittle MSP regarding condition of Lugton Road

Possible parking solutions discussed

No feedback received from Police regarding member of public’s enquiry at previous meeting. ACTION E Lochhead to refer to minutes and contact Police.

Enquire about defibrillator training

THE NEXT MEETING IS ON THURSDAY 3rd MAY 2018 IN DUNLOP VILLAGE HALL AT THE EARLIER TIME OF 6.45PM.

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A PUBLIC MEETING AT 7.45PMregarding a proposed new garden centre and ancillary facilities at Magbiehill Park north of Cocklebie Farm being considered by Mr Tom Blackwood. Both Mr Blackwood and his agent will be in attendance to discuss the proposal and answer any queries.

We have received reports that East Ayrshire residents are receiving phone calls from people claiming that they work for SKY and that they are calling about a ‘refund’ you are supposedly due. The callers go on to say that this ‘refund’ must be claimed within 48 hours and that to do so they must have your bank account details.

Don’t get caught. This is a scam.

SKY have confirmed that they would not process refunds in this way.

If you have received one of these calls and have been persuaded to pass over your bank details – contact your bank straight away and arrange to have any payments stopped.